Think about what time you wish to arrive in Springfield. If you can be flexible with your departure/arrival time, you may find tickets at a lower price.
Select a direct train from New York to Springfield and you can expect to arrive within 3.5 hours. If you decide on an itinerary which includes a connecting train, add on an additional 30 minutes or more to account for delays.
Use your computer to book your itinerary from New York to Springfield. Visit Amtrak's Web site and enter your departure and arrival cities, the date you wish to travel and when you would like to depart or arrive. You will be presented with a number of itineraries--choose the best one to suit your plans.
Visit Penn Station in New York, where you will find ticket booths for rail service providers. There you can review schedules and purchase your ticket directly from the station staff or purchase them from an automated ticket machine.
Call your rail service provider and purchase your tickets over the phone. The tickets will be mailed to you or they can be picked up at the station, either from the staffed booth or an automated ticket machine.
Arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time if you've purchased your tickets in advance. If you are purchasing them at the station or require extra assistance to board the train, get to the station 90 minutes before you travel.
Know where your travel documents are and be sure to bring along your photo identification. Due to TSA regulations, most rail service providers will conduct random screenings sometime during your travel.
Bring up to 2 carry-on bags and up to 3 check-in items when you travel by train. Be sure to check with your rail service provider for any changes to this policy before arriving at the station.
